End of an era as city fire chief retires

Taylor's last day is Friday after 21 years at the helm.

Taylor's last day is Friday after 21 years at the helm.

April 11, 2007|TOM MOOR Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- Luther Taylor didn't have a burning desire to become a firefighter. A machinist by trade, he had planned to return to his hometown of Jackson, Tenn., to take up that profession after serving a year or so as a firefighter. But he found the vocation far more rewarding than he expected. "It was a great chance to give back to the community," Taylor said. "It was never my intent to stay that long, but I guess it was meant to be." More than 34 years after joining the South Bend Fire Department, the longtime fire chief is retiring. His last day is Friday. Taylor served as chief for 21 years -- the longest anyone has held that position in South Bend. "What an era," said Assistant Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, choked up from the thought of his friend leaving. "He deserves the best for everything. I can't believe it's already here. He's been like my brother since he came to town." "You can go anywhere in the state and you won't see a fire chief with the tenure he has," Assistant Chief Rick Switalski said. Taylor, 60, the city's first black fire chief, said he made the decision to retire three years ago. Many other high-ranking South Bend firefighters are also retiring this year, although officials don't anticipate having any firefighter shortages. Taylor said he plans on taking some time off to spend with his family. He's open to the possibility of another job at a later time, he said, especially if it has something to do with helping out in the community. Mayor Stephen J. Luecke said Tuesday he has interviewed candidates for the position and expects to name a successor shortly. Buchanon said Taylor will leave the department in much better shape than when he took it over. "He helped turn things around," Buchanon said. "The stations, the trucks and the equipment were in very poor condition when he took over. We've seen a lot of improvements in those areas." Four facilities were built during Taylor's leadership, including Central Fire Station at 1222 S. Michigan St. A new fire station is expected to be completed in July at 402 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. The department also grew from 211 to 248 sworn firefighters and began providing service to Notre Dame in 1989. Taylor played a role in establishing countywide Emergency Medical Service operations in 1997, increasing South Bend's ambulances from two to seven and ensuring all South Bend personnel were certified as EMTs. Taylor said he tried to improve safety for firefighters, too, with improved gear and equipment. "We always have an ambulance on scene," he said. "If a firefighter has been in a house a long time, he's checked out by a paramedic to see if he's fit to go back in. "Those are some of the areas I'm most proud of." The department's overall equipment rating rose from poor to excellent while Taylor was chief, according to information released by the mayor's office. "He's been an institution," Luecke said. "His leadership has been steady and progressive. Working in partnership with Luther, the city has seen an upgrade in facilities, equipment and training. He's also established new specialty groups, like river rescue, a hazardous materials response team. He's really been at the forefront of keeping our department ahead of the curve. "He has made this department one of the premier forces in the state of Indiana and the nation." Taylor, though, said the progress has been a collaborative effort. He thanked former mayors Roger Parent and Joe Kernan, as well as Luecke, for believing in him to lead the department. Five police chiefs have served while Taylor has been chief. He also thanked the late Capt. Don Howell and former Capt. Jack Reed for playing key roles in his early development as a firefighter. And he said he couldn't have accomplished any of it without the support of his wife, Gwen. "There are so many great people here," Taylor said. "I'm going to miss them. It's a great staff, and everyone works well together." Buchanon said Taylor was fair but firm to work for. "If you mess up, he's going to do what he has to do," he said. "But he's fair on everything he does. He always takes his time and makes the right and proper decision." Taylor started in the department's Portage Avenue station, where he served as the department's first tillerman, who is responsible for steering the rear of a ladder truck for more mobility. The department no longer has trucks like that. Taylor was named a captain on an engine company in 1976. In 1980, he was promoted to battalion chief, supervising more than 30 firefighters. And for nine months in 2004, he served then-Gov. Kernan as executive director for the State Emergency Management Agency. "It's been a good run," Taylor said. "I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to work for this department."Staff writer Tom Moor: tmoor@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6187